KINGSFORD---The Escanaba High School basketball season came to an end Monday night as the Menominee Maroons used hot outside shooting and strong defense to post a 61-46 victory in the Class B District semifinals at Kingsford High School.

Menominee senior Travis Champeau put on a shooting clinic in the first half, making five three-point baskets after the Eskymos had jumped out to an early lead. Champeau ended up with 18 points to lead the Maroons in scoring on the evening.

Escanaba senior David Falish goes up for a shot during Monday night's playoff game.

Escanaba had the early edge as Brandon Robinette got off to a good start. The Eskymos led, 14-12, after the first quarter. But the second quarter was a nightmare for Coach Tracy Hudson as the Maroons outscored the Eskymos, 23-10.

To make matters worse, Eskymo guard Sam Molnar was hurt late in the second quarter when two Maroons landed on him under the basket. Molnar ended up aith a knee injury and spent the rest of the game on the sidelines, and on crutches.

Menominee led, 35-24, at halftime, and then practically put the game away with a quick spurt in the third quarter. The Maroons built a 20-point lead, and the Eskymos could not any closer than 14 points the rest of the way.

Escanaba had defeated Menominee, 58-46, in a make-up game one week ago. But the Eskymos could not get it done this time, and ended the season with an 8-13 record. Menominee is now 10-11 on the season, and visits Gladstone (9-11) for the district championship Wednesday night.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box to see photos and videos from this playoff game.

Coaches and trainers check to see if EHS guard Sam Molnar is OK after hurting his knee Monday night.